Golf swing training device

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a golf swing training device comprising right and left elbow supports with attachment means and a back/posture support having waist side attachment means. An elastic band removably connects the right elbow support to the left elbow support. The waist band of the back/posture support contains left and right side attachment means for removably connecting the waist to the left and/or right elbow supports.

Many golf driving/practice ranges utilize artificial turf that requires less maintenance. However, artificial surfaces are less forgiving on the elbows and backs of gofers. Elbow support orthotics provide shock absorption to dampen the forces resulting from repetitive striking on the artificial surfaces and assist individuals who have tendinitis of the elbow. They act to dampen and absorb the forces from continual ground impact during the swing process. A posture corrector/back support helps encourage proper posture during a golf swing as well as providing additional back support during the swing. The posture corrector/back support is designed to gently pull your shoulders back for better alignment, which relieves pressure on taxed back muscles and provides better body alignment for an improved swing.

There are numerous past devices designed to aid golfers in developing more accurate and consistent golf swings. However, none of the previously available devices use orthotics to correctly align the arms, hips, back and the shoulders of a golfer while also enhancing a golfer’s swing.

SUMMARY

The golf swing training aid of the present invention connects a golfer’s forearms and positions the dominant arm to their side thus ensuring a one piece takeaway that keeps the swing path and club on plane for a repeatable consistent golf swing. Connecting the elbow of a golfer’s dominant arm to the golfer’s side prevents straightening of the arm and therefor prevents casting of the club which is a power drain on the swing. It also prevent the arm from forming a “chicken wing” The term “chicken wing” refers to the appearance of the lead arm on players, which, after impact bends outward and resembles the wing of a chicken. A “chicken wing” promotes coming over the top resulting in a slice or the dreaded double cross pull hook. Thus, keeping the elbow connected to the side helps a golfer to retain the V in the dominant elbow which promotes lag and leverage through the strike. Lag and leverage in a swing requires less energy to produce a powerful swing and also allows the golfer to maintain a consistent and controlled swing path. Thus, the present invention prevents two major and common swing flaws which are coming over the top and casting the golf club. Both common flaws are fatal moves in the golf swing.

Additionally, the golf swing training aid of the present invention is also an excellent short game tool. By connecting both elbow supports 20, 35 to the hip connections on the back/posture support 100 and connecting both elbow supports by the elastic band 60, a stable chipping platform is established. By simply turning the shoulders with the connected device a repeatable chipping motion can be established. Distance is simply controlled by the amount of shoulder turn during the chipping motion. This motion creates the foundation for a solid, repeatable, and consistent chipping motion.

The present invention utilizes a combination of three orthotic support devices (20, 35, and 100) and at least two elastic bands (50, 55, and 60) to assist in the instruction of the golf swing. This device ensures the proper positioning of a golfers arms, hips, back and shoulders during the golf club swing, thereby enhancing the golfer’s ability to make accurate golf shots and prevent injury.

When the three orthotics devices (i.e., two elbow supports 20, 35 and a back/posture support 100) are connected by the at least two elastic bands (50, 55, 60) the device is a golf swing training aid. When the bands (50, 55, and 60) are not attached, the orthotic support devices (20, 35, and 100) are allowable during a round of golf.

Thus, the present invention allows players to wear approved orthotics during play. The attachment of the first (50) and second elastic bands (55 and/or 60)) to the orthotic supports (20, 35, 100) allows a golfer to keep the golf swing connected throughout the swing.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a preferred embodiment of the back/posture support (100) utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 2 depicts an embodiment of an elbow support utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the first elastic band (50) which connects left and right attachment means (31, 36) on the elbow supports (20, 35) utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 4 shows the front view of a golfer wearing a back/posture support (100) and two elbow supports (20, 35). A second attachment means (32 or 37) on the elbow support on the leading arm is connected to a waist side attachment (16, 18) of the waist strap (14). The connection is removable.

FIG. 5 shows the back view of a golfer wearing the Back/posture support (100) and two elbow supports (20, 35). The back/posture support 100 shows an elongated spinal support (5) adapted to lie along and be disposed in alignment with the human spinal column from about the cervical region to the lumbar region.

FIG. 6 depicts a golfer whose leading elbow is in an ergonomically undesirable “chicken wing” position.

FIG. 7 depicts a preferred embodiment of the left and right elbow supports (20, 35) utilized in the present invention.

FIG. 8 depicts a close up view of the right side waist attachment means (18) attached to a right side second elastic band (55). In this embodiment the left side second elastic band is directly connected to the waist strap.

FIG. 9 depicts a golfer wearing the device of the present invention.

FIG. 10 depicts a golfer wearing the device of the present invention. Elastic band 60 with left side waist attachment 16 is connected to second left attachment means 37 on the left elbow support.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Elbow braces and supports are well known in the art. See, for example, US8979783B2; US5154690A; US4632106A; US4150442A; JP9285587A; JP2003286606A; US3322118 and US8118765B2. Typical elbow braces are made from stretch type fabric and are worn on the arm near the elbow joint for reducing pain in the elbow joint associated with conditions such as tennis elbow. They help improve the stability of the elbow joint, thereby reducing strain on the elbow joint and also reducing load on the biceps brachii tendon. If the motion of fully extending the elbow joint is repeated in a sports motion or the like, pain often occurs in the vicinity of the olecranon (the rear of the elbow joint). Inflammation of the joint capsule is often regarded as a factor of the pain. Further, a main motion muscle to bend the elbow joint is the biceps brachii muscle. In the biceps brachii muscle, if a flexion motion of the elbow joint due is excessively repeatedly performed, inflammation occurs in the biceps brachii tendon extending in front of the shoulder joint, thereby causing a pain. In particular, a load in an extension direction of the elbow joint (the eccentric contraction of the biceps brachii tendon) becomes an overload.

An elbow brace typically includes a tubular supporter main body which covers at least the upper and lower sides of the elbow joint of the arm of a wearer. Elbow braces typically also cover at least portions of at least one of the following muscles: biceps brachii muscle, the triceps brachii muscle, the brachioradial muscle, the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle, the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, the flexor carpi radialis muscle and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. Typically, an elbow brace extends about 2-6 inches above the fold of the elbow and from about 2 to 6 inches below the fold of the elbow.

Elbow supports (or brace) typically include a tubular sleeve of stretch fabric. Many contain an opening around the Olecranon. Some elbow supports include an adjustable tensioning strap and securing its end in place. Some elbow supports wrap around the elbow region and are fastened with closure means such as hook and loop. The tubular devices are typically a tubular sleeve of flexible material adapted to be slipped onto the arm over the hand and the sleeve is positioned in over the elbow joint. It is often difficult to maneuver the compressive elastic devices over the elbow joint. Thus, in a preferred embodiment the elbow support has a zipper type closure (21, 38) at one end so that the brace can easily slide over the arm and once zipped fits snugly to provide slight compression. See, for example, FIG. 7 which depicts a zipper closure on the top half of the elbow support. In certain embodiments, the elbow support may contain a gusset in place of the zipper with a VELCO™ or button type closure. The preferred elbow support is 7 to 11 inches long. Most preferably, the elbow support is 8.5 to 9.5 inches long. In certain embodiments the zipper is between 2.5 and 6 inches. Preferably, the zipper is between 3 and 5 inches. In certain embodiments, the zipper lies above the fold of the elbow.

The term “elbow support” as used herein means a device which is configured to generally conform to the elbow. The support snugly supports and encircles the arm either around the elbow or a device which snugly supports and encircles the arm around the elbow with an opening for the Olegranon. The elbow support acts in a slight compressive manner on the tendons and muscles supporting and surrounding the elbow. The elbow support covers at least portions at least one of the following muscles: biceps brachii muscle, the triceps brachii muscle, the brachioradial muscle, the extensor carpi radialis longus muscle, the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle, the flexor carpi radialis muscle and the extensor carpi ulnaris muscle. The elbow support may be tubular or wrap around. The elbow support may be slightly bent to accommodate the folding of the elbow joint. Preferably the device is flexible. Preferably the device is neoprene or an elastic material.

Good posture requires the proper alignment of the spine. For example, when a person has good posture, his or her spine may be aligned into a gentle s-shaped curve. This curved shape distributes forces throughout the body and avoids excessive stress on any particular muscle, joint, or tendon. Proper posture and body alignment is an important factor in achieving a good golf swing. Back/posture supports are well known in the art. See, for example, US9456919. They are designed to provide back and shoulder support. The human spine is a vertebral column consisting of 7 cervical, 12 thoracic, 5 lumbar, 5 sacral and 4 coccygeal vertebrae. As shown in FIG. 1 , the back/posture support device 100 utilized in the present invention comprises an elongated spinal support (5) adapted to lie along and be disposed in alignment with the human spinal column from the cervical region to the lumbar region. The cervical end of the spinal support piece connect to first and second shoulder support straps (10, 12) extending laterally outwardly from the top of said spinal support means and adapted to fit over the shoulder, under the arm and connect back to said spinal support means at around the thoracic region. A waist strap (14) extends from the bottom/lumbar region of said spinal support means and is adapted to extend around the waist of the golfer. The waist strap (14) may have an adjustable connection (e.g., hook-and-loop type fasteners, snaps or buckles etc.) so the length of the waist strap (14) can be adjusted to suit different golfers. Preferably, all support means are adjustable.

By dominant “lead” elbow is meant the elbow on the side of the body which is in the direction of the target. By lead hip is meant the hip on the side of the body which is in the direction of the target. For left handed player this would typically be the right side elbow and the right hip and for right handed players this would typically be the left side elbow and the left hip. Thus, a right handed player would typically attach the strap from the left elbow support to the left hip such as seen in FIG. 4 where the left side second elastic band (60) is connected from a left side waist attachment lead (16) on the waist strap (14) of the left hip to a second attachment means (37) on the elbow support of the left elbow. A left handed player would typically attach the first band from the right elbow to the right hip. Thus, the right side second elastic band (55) is connected from a right side attachment lead (18) on the waist strap (14) of the right hip to a second attachment means (32) on the elbow support of the right elbow.

FIG. 5 depicts the back or exterior view of a golfer wearing the back/posture support 100, right elbow supports (20) with a first attachment means (31) on the exterior side (30) and a left elbow support (35) with a first attachment means (36) on the exterior side (45). Since elastic band (55) is only attached at the second attachment means on one elbow support (i.e., the support worn on the lead elbow) the second attachment means (32, 37) is optional for one of the elbow supports. Likewise, since elastic band (55) is only attached at the attachment means on the lead hip the second hip attachment is optional. However, for purposes of manufacturing both left and right side waist attachments (16, 18) are preferred to accommodate both left hand and right hand golfers

When the second elastic band (55) is connected from the attachment point on the elbow support worn on the lead elbow to one of the side waist attachment points (16, 18) on the hip area on the lead side of the waist strap it restricts the elbow from rising too high to allow the club to come over the top or to be casted and ensures the “V” is maintained in the elbow to create the proper descending blow to the ball. The connection does not allow the club to be lifted and promotes the proper turning and rotation of the body to keep the club on plane for a more consistent swing and path to the ball. FIG. 3 depicts the first elastic band (50) with first and second attachment means (51, 52). The band removably connects between the right and the left attachments means (31, 36) on the exterior sides (40) (45) of the left and right elbow supports (20) (35).

The connection of the first elastic band (50) further connects the swing to promote a one piece takeaway. When the first elastic band is used in conjunction with at least one second elastic band (55 or 60) attached to at least one elbow brace, the two connections together work in tandem to promote a very consistent swing that stays on plane and eliminates inconsistencies that could possibly cause injury during the swing process.

A golfer may use the device 100 which is shown in FIG. 1 by placing one arm through the first shoulder support strap 10, the other arm through the second shoulder support strap 12, and fastening the waist support means 14 around the waist. In an embodiment, the waist support means 14 is made of a wide strip of material that may be fitted around a user’s abdominal and lower back regions. In an embodiment, the waist strap means 14 provides constant gentle pressure to the lumbar region of the back. Similarly, the waist strap means 14 provides gentle pressure to the abdominal region. The length, or circumference, of the waist strap 14 may be adjusted to fit snugly around the user by using known strap length adjustors and closure devices such as, for example, d-rings, ladder locks, tri-glides, buckles, hooks, a prong and hole combination, or VELCRO™ (i.e., hook and loop). The back/posture support may be rigid or semi-rigid. It may have areas of flexible fabric and areas which are more rigid or semi-rigid. The back/posture support may be made of conventional known materials such as, for example, nylon, nylon mesh, neoprene, spandex or a combination thereof. Optionally, the back/posture support may have padding

Attachment means may take the form of d-rings, ladder locks, tri-glides, buckles, or Velcro. Other adjustment mechanisms may also be used, and such alternatives will be readily apparent to one of skill in the art. In a preferred embodiment, the attachment means are d-rings such as, for example, elements 31 and 36 depicted in FIG. 7 . In a preferred embodiment, D-rings are attachable to lobster claw claps such as, for example, elements 16 and 18 depicted in FIG. 1 and elements 51 and 52 depicted in FIG. 3 .

In a preferred device the first elastic band (50) is 1 to 4 feet in length. Preferably the first elastic band (50) is 2 to 3 feet long and most preferably the first elastic band (50) is 3 feet in length. Preferably, the first elastic band (50) is from ½ to 3 inches wide. Preferably, the first elastic band (50) is 1 to 2 inches wide and most preferred is 1.5 inches wide. In a preferred device the waist strap (14) is about 3 to 8 inches wide. Most preferably, the waist strap (14) is about is 4 to 6 inches wide. In a preferred device the spinal support (5) is 3-8 inches wide and most preferred is 4-6 inches wide. In a preferred device the shoulder strap (10, 12) are from 1-3 inches wide. Most preferably the shoulder straps are 1-1.5 inches wide. In a preferred device the back/posture support can be adjusted in the front or back. Most preferably, the back/posture support is adjustable at the shoulder area for ease of adjustments.

The preferred elbow support is 7-11 inches long. Most preferred length is 8.5 to 9.5 inches long. Preferably, the elbow zipper (if present) is positioned on the top portion of the elbow support which is the widest portion of the elbow support to accommodate the biceps/triceps.

Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can, using the preceding description, utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The preceding preferred specific embodiments are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limitative of the remainder of the disclosure in any way whatsoever. From the foregoing description, one skilled in the art can easily ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention and, without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. 

We claim:
 1. A device comprising: a right elbow support having an interior side and an exterior side, a left elbow support having an interior side and an exterior side, a back/posture support having a a) a spinal support adapted to lie along and be disposed in alignment with the human spinal column from the cervical region to the lumbar region, B) a first shoulder strap extending laterally outwardly from the top of said spinal support and adapted to fit over a shoulder, under an arm and connect back to said spinal support means at around a thoracic region, C) a second shoulder strap extending laterally outwardly from the top of said spinal support and adapted to fit over a shoulder, under an arm and connect back to said spinal support means at around a thoracic region, d) a waist support extending from the bottom/lumbar region of said spinal support and adapted to extend around a waist, said waist support having a side attachment means, a first elastic band (50) for removably connecting said right elbow support (20) to said left elbow support (35) and a left side second elastic band (60) for removably connecting said left side waist attachment means (16) of said waist support (14) to said left elbow support (35) and/or a right side second elastic band (55) for removably connecting said right side attachment means (18) of said waist support (14) to said right elbow support (20).
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said first elastic band (50) is removably connectable from a first attachment means (31) on said the exterior side (30) of said right elbow support (20) to a first attachment means (36) on said the exterior side (45) of said left elbow support (35).
 3. The device of claim 1, comprising a left side second elastic band (60) for removably connecting said left side waist attachment means (16) of said waist support (14) to said left elbow support (35).
 4. The device of claim 1, comprising a right side second elastic band (55) for removably connecting said right side attachment means (18) of said waist support (14) to said right elbow support (20).
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein said left elbow support and/or right elbow support has a zipper type closure.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein said left elbow support and/or right elbow support is 7 to 11 inches long.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein said left elbow support and/or right elbow support is neoprene or an elastic material.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein said first elastic band (50) is from about 1 to 4 feet in length.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said shoulder strap (10, 12) are from about 1-3 inches wide.
 10. The device of claim 1, wherein said waist strap (14) is about 3 to 8 inches wide.
 11. The device of claim 1, wherein said spinal support (5) is about 3-8 inches wide.
 12. The device of claim 1, wherein said side attachment means are d-rings, ladder locks, tri-glides, buckles, hooks, a prong and hole combination, or hook and loop. 